Emily Zehetmayr, Derry House

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

IWD is not just about women, but those women who were and are incredibly inspiring. It continues to give a voice and platform to those who are brave enough to speak out in support for women’s rights, and gives incredible women the recognition they deserve.

Which women are you inspired by?

Catherine of Aragon. Not only was she faithful and loyal to her husband even when he forced her into an annulment, she had battled against half of the English court who wanted to remove her from the crown because she was a faithful Catholic queen. On top of this, she ran England as regent whilst Henry VIII was at war in France, in a time when women were regarded as not intelligent enough to rule countries, fought a battle with the Scottish, appearing as a warrior queen on the front line (whilst being pregnant), and won!

What role or impact would you like to play in relation to women's rights, today?

IWD shows how wonderful, clever, driven and successful women can be. My aim, especially as the female Prefect of Portland, would be to remind girls and women alike to look back at all those brilliant women who came before us, and feel inspired, because the evidence in front of us shows that we are perfectly capable of being amazing in our own right.

What are your future aspirations?

In the future, I would like to achieve a Masters in Ancient History and Archaeology, before taking a law conversion course in order to become a defence barrister in crown court.